It can be daunting when first starting We Happy Few. Dropped into a terrifying alternate version of Britain in the 1960s, all you have at the start is the clothes on your back and a dream of freedom. Exactly where do you go from there?

Even though We Happy Few doesn’t rely on its survival mechanics to quite as an extent as it did during the Early Access release, it can still be very important to ensure you’re gathering enough resources from the world around you in order to stay alive and make progress right from the go.

So, let us be your guide in your opening moments in this intimidating new land. Keep these tips in mind in order to survive the psychedelic nightmare that is Wellington Wells.

Fill your pockets with loot

Sure, We Happy Few isn’t the intense survival game it started out to be, but you’ll still need to do a fair bit of scavenging throughout the game. Pretty much everything you gather — whether it’s from sneaking into someone’s house or rooting in the nearest — has a use to you. Food? Water? Bits of old metal? You want it all.

If you do rummage through everything in sight, it won’t be long before you’re inventory is full to the brim with all sorts of components for crafting materials, but there are definitely a few things you should prioritize. One of the absolute essentials is Gilead Petals, which can be picked from the red-flowered bushes dotting the countryside and mushed together to make Healing Balm. It’s always useful to have some of these on you to heal in a pinch.

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for Bobby Pins, which are needed to create lockpicks. Security is pretty tight in many of the game’s areas, so being able to break in through a back door to avoid the Bobbies is always a bonus. They can also be used to open sealed chests and lockers to yield even more loot, though we would recommend keeping some saved for their main purpose.

Speaking of Bobbies, one other item to loot whenever you see it is Scotch. You can use this as an intoxicating bribe to get past a pesky guard blocking your path, so it’s always worth having a bottle or two with you.

Choose the right skills

In the first act of We Happy Few, you’ll play as Arthur. He’s a pretty terrible fighter, but he’s stealthy and quick on his feet. And while many of the choices on offer aren’t all that exciting, there are a few options that take best advantage of Arthur’s proficiencies.

Sensibly, the game’s tutorial encourages you to take “Sweet Dreams” first, which allows you to choke enemies unconscious from behind or suffocate them while they’re sleeping. It’s an incredibly powerful ability that’ll have you clearing out rooms or entire buildings without making a peep.

Further down in the stealth category, both “Ear to the Ground” and “Tech Friendly” are nice pickups. The former allows you to see an enemy’s footsteps from further away, while the latter means many of the game’s high-tech surveillance options won’t be able to see you. Both make the whole sneaking approach so much easier. In the same branch, “Oh You” is a useful timesaver as it stops people from being suspicious of you if they see you running or jumping about. That’s just what you’re like!

Elsewhere, “Herbalist” is worth consideration if you keep finding yourself getting into scrapes. The bonus healing will significantly lessen the demand on some of your resources. As of the others, they can be avoided unless they really suit your own playstyle. Outside of the handful of standout options, the choices you make on the skill tree aren’t massively impactful.

Don’t be afraid to run

Often you’ll find the stealthy approach is optimal in We Happy Few, given how easy it is to knock out enemies from behind and how clunky the combat can be if a mob of Joy-guzzling citizens descends upon your Downer. And while it may be tempting to wildly swing back at them with a cricket bat, fleeing is often the more sensible approach.

The tactical retreat is especially effective when playing as Arthur in act one. He’s not exactly the greatest fighter, but he does have the ability to sprint away very quickly from his pursuers. Fortunately, anyone who becomes hostile to you doesn’t give chase for too long either. Call it a fault of awkward AI — or maybe all the citizens are tripping so hard that they suffer from rapid memory loss.

Essentially, if you put enough distance between you or duck out of sight for long enough, they’ll return to their seemingly pleasant routines in no time. You can even go back to talk to them and they’ll have forgotten all about you!

Benches can also be very useful blending-in spots if you think you might get caught. If your dose of Joy is about to expire or you think a local is getting suspicious, just take a seat and whip out the daily paper for a quick browse until the moment passes. Or duck into one of the many hideouts across the world for instant safety.

Expand your wardrobe

If you want to make it a lot less stressful to blend into the various regions of Wellington Wells, then it’s important to have a diverse wardrobe. Wherever you go on the island, the locals can be incredibly judgemental folk, deciding whether they want to give you a pleasant hello in return or chase you down with a frying pan with one quick look at your clothing.

The less fortunate souls on the outskirts will want to see you in a Torn Suit, something effortlessly made if you find a rock to scuff the hell out of it. Be sure to save a Proper Suit and Shoes for when you return to the fancier regions, though, or they’ll look down on you as a Wastrel.

We Happy Few offers a number of other more specialized outfits, too. It can be handy to have a Boiler Suit on you when entering municipal or construction areas — no one will think twice about someone fiddling around with electronics wearing that. Fisticuff fans might want to consider the Padded Suit for some extra damage reduction, though it doesn’t seem necessary. On the other hand, a Gas Mask is definitely essential when heading into some locations to avoid damage from toxic fumes.

As for the Rubber Cat Suit? Well, we’ll let you discover all about that one for yourself!

And there you have it: a few words of wisdom for your new life in Wellington Wells. Remember, if it all goes wrong, you can always just pop a Joy and live in blissful ignorance forever!

Perseverance paid off for theatergoer J. Lori Johnston, who finally succeeded in getting the entire cast of “The Boys in the Band” to sign her show poster days before the runaway hit revival of the 1968 play is set to close.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday announced an ambitious plan to usher in a new “Space Force” as the sixth branch of the military by 2020, but the proposal was scorned by opponents and may struggle to get liftoff in a divided Congress.

Twenty-one years after the unsolved murder of Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace we’re no closer to finding out who killed him (or Tupac). A movie about LAPD officer Russell Poole’s attempt to find out the truth first changed titles and now it appears its been shelved. Whether indefinitely or not remains to be seen.

Johnny Depp, who was to star as Poole, has had his fair share of issues lately which may be a factor. Depp’s financial misadventures were detailed in a suit his business managers filed against him, which was recently settled. Forest Whitaker and Snowfall’s Amin Joseph, along with Soul Food actor Rockmund Dunbar were also in the movie.

The actor’s true-crime drama City of Lies, in which he stars as LAPD detective Russell Poole haunted by the rapper’s unsolved murder, has been pulled from its scheduled release date of September 7 by Global Road Entertainment.

While there is currently no indication the incident is connected to the delay, an altercation on the film’s set has since lead to a lawsuit against Depp. According to City of Lies location manager Gregg “Rocky” Brooks, Depp allegedly “punched him in the torso” when he attempted to inform the actor filming was running over the production’s approved on-location hours. Depp then allegedly demanded of Brooks, “I will give you $ 100,000 to punch me in the face right now!” before security intervened.

Whitaker plays the journalist who teams up with Poole. The movie is based on the non-fiction book LAbyrinth, written by Randall Sullivan, that uncovered the corruption in the LAPD associated with the investigation of the Notorious B.I.G. murder. The book alleges that Marion “Suge” Knight arranged the deaths of both Biggie and Tupac, with the aid of the LAPD.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

J.P. Morgan Chase's CEO Jamie Dimon said Monday that his partnership with Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett to improve health care for employees will likely start small, akin to Amazon's small-scale operation during its first few years.Health Care

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

German industry groups warned on Sunday, before European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker meets U.S. President Donald Trump this week, that tariffs the United States has imposed or is threatening to introduce risk harming America itself.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

How bad was the rehearsal that some say caused Jeff Loeffelholz, the longtime standby at “Chicago,” to kill himself? The actor’s handwritten notes, which friends spearheading a “Justice for Jeff” campaign have released on blogs, describe it as a grueling, brutal and humiliating process. Loeffelholz stood by for the role of Mary Sunshine, the newspaper…Entertainment | New York Post

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats raised the alarm on growing cyberattack threats against the United States, saying the situation is at a “critical point” and coming out forcefully against Russia.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

With stars clustered together and the Warriors owning the NBA, the league is undoubtedly in a strange place. But before it can address competitive balance, one big basketball question must be answered.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

US music fans continue to increase their consumption of tunes. Fueled by a 45 percent rise in on-demand streams, the amount of music Americans either bought or streamed during the first half of 2018 increased by 18 percent over the same period a year earlier, a report out Friday revealed. During the six-month period, Drake’s…Business | New York Post

Biogen's big success in a new Alzheimer's drug trial wasn't just a win for the company. It comes after years of failures with every drug tested for dementia and growing doubts about the drug industry's narrow focus on amyloid proteins.Health Care

SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Asian share markets were set for a bumpy ride on Friday just hours ahead of a U.S. deadline to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, which has rattled financial markets in recent weeks as investors feared it could trigger a full-blown global trade war.

The latest Jurassic adventure adds an estimated $ 150 million in U.S. ticket sales to its overall total this weekend, bringing Fallen Kingdom‘s cumulative global box office up to $ 711.5 million. The movie opened outside the U.S. as far back as June 6, so we’re technically now in its third weekend since release. Read more…

Avocados are notorious for spoiling almost immediately after you buy them, and there’s nothing more disappointing than cutting into one just to find a shell full of mush. Thankfully it’s 2018 and, while we still don’t have flying cars, scientists in California have gifted us with avocados that…

A common saying around the restaurant industry is “people eat with their eyes”—that is, people are drawn to meals that look as great as they taste. A similar motto holds true in home remodeling: people buy with their eyes. That means that in order to attract a larger customer base, you have to provide some visual proof of the quality of your jobs.

As a contractor, you’re actually lucky in this regard: your work naturally lends itself to visual interest. It will be easy for you to give potential customers a taste of your offerings simply by showing off before and after photos of a project. Your online portfolio provides a quick, easy-to-digest snapshot of your services and your craftsmanship. But there’s a lot more to it than that. Pictures can expand your online reach and improve your web presence. Here are some of the potential benefits of before and after photos—and how to take better pictures for your digital outreach.

Before and After Photos Communicate What Words Can’t

Customers are typically hesitant to give a new contractor a shot—this is their home we’re talking about, after all. But residential contractors don’t exactly have the best reputation, either. Right or wrong, many new customers will be skeptical of your skills until you’ve proven yourself. An outstanding photo portfolio is a quick way to defend your quality of service without saying anything at all.

Similarly, photos offer a common vocabulary with which customers and contractors can communicate. Homeowners don’t always know the technical jargon associated with each job, but they can point out what they like in pictures. Providing snapshots of your past work helps clients in the idea phase as they try to envision what their space will look like once various features are remodeled.

Photos Give Your Web Presence Digital Cache

Photos aren’t just helpful from a service perspective, though. They’re also a smart move for your digital marketing. Photos add professional polish to your website, particularly when they’re used smartly to illustrate the various services you offer.

Photos add punch to your web presence simply because they communicate information faster than words. The majority of your website visitors will spend less than 15 seconds on your site, so it’s important to make the most of that time. The brain processes images 600,000 times faster than text, allowing you to make the most of those few seconds you have.

Then there’s the issue of SEO and search engine ranking. Digital marketing experts argue back and forth about how photos impact your search engine score. Regardless, photos provide yet another avenue for customers to discover you: through Google image search. Additionally, all photos on your site can repurposed as posts on your social media accounts, with links back to your website. Adding those potential sources of traffic and linkbacks usually raises your site’s overall ranking and visibility in web searches.

Tips for Successful Photos

Of course, you can’t do all that without great photos to begin with. Taking project photos can be tricky work, particularly if you’re not used to handling a camera. Luckily, these days, with high-quality smart phones and great free editing tools, you don’t really need any special equipment—just some photographer’s chops. Here are a couple of quick-and-dirty tips for snapping stunning before and after photos.

Choose Projects With Great Visuals. No matter how thrilled that customer was with the shag carpeting you installed, it’s probably not a great candidate for a before and after photoshoot. Choose jobs with visual impact—ones that feature stylish finishes, unique colors or unusual project specifications.

“Stage” the Shots. Let’s be honest here: not every contractor does the kind of work that would be featured on HGTV. But whether you’re shooting a new roof or hot water heater installation, the effect will be stronger if you take the time to clear debris and other eyesores away before taking after photos.

Before and After Photos Should Feature Similar Angles for Maximum Contrast. Think back to those before and after weightloss photos you see in commercials. The person in the photos is always wearing the same kind of clothes, with the same mugshot stance. Try to match the angle and perspective in both photos. Take note of where you were standing when you took the first photo so you can match that composition later on.

Take “Action” Photos of the Process. Homeowners like to see how the sausage gets made, and “action” shots provide a window into that process. It’s also a great chance to feature your crew and subcontractors on your website, too!

Use Natural Lighting Where Possible. True, a finished basement may not have a lot of natural light, but where possible try to include some ambient lighting to get you the best photos possible.

Use a Photo Editor to Place Before and After Photos Side-by-Side. Modern photo editing tools are wonderful. Use them to crop out distracting details, add attractive color filters and to arrange photos side-by-side for maximum impact.

Hire a Professional Photographer. Nobody knows better than you do about the importance of hiring a pro. If you just can’t seem to master before and after photos, a professional photographer may be a better alternative. Photographers can compose and edit photos so that they have the polish you’re looking for. And who knows, maybe they have a friend who needs some repair work done on their home!

It takes a little practice, but after a while, you’ll be snapping photos like a bonafide Instagram star. Hello, high-paying customers!

Some fissures have emerged within the once-unified New Jersey sports betting movement. Gov. Phil Murphy’s Racing Commission, which had been working hand-in-hand with Monmouth Park and other facilities to overturn a national ban on sports betting — and quickly bring sports betting to the Garden State — is now threatening to sue any casino or…Business | New York Post

When Drunk Elephant, the “clean” skin-care brand with the brightly-colored packaging that’s taken over Sephora aisles and Instagram feeds with impressive speed over the past few years, launches a new product, you can sure as hell bet people want to know about it. But just because the brand is …

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Diplomacy accelerated Tuesday ahead of a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with possible preparatory talks in the United States and Singapore in addition to ongoing discussions at a border village between the Koreas.Top Headlines

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http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani says the president wants details on the classified information shared with lawmakers about the FBI investigation into Russian election meddling before deciding on an interview with special counsel Robert Mueller.Politics Headlines

Let’s be honest, we would give up our jobs right now and travel the world for years on end if we could – but unfortunately, our bank account would have an emotional breakdown and cry for the rest of its short life. Yep, traveling costs money, which means that your dream of flying from one country to the next just isn’t viable. Everything from the flights, to the insurance, to the accommodation, to the food and the travel within each destination will set you back a fair few dollars, so it’s not even worth thinking about, right? Well, you shouldn’t write it off completely. Although many people often have negative thoughts on staying in hostels, they are one of the cheapest ways to travel the world on a budget. However, you should probably know these things before booking a hostel…

You need to do your own location research

Most major cities and tourist destinations are overrun with hostels – which means that they are all in competition with each other. Unfortunately for lowly travelers, the people who run these hostels know exactly what their potential customers would want from a hostel, which is why they often advertise themselves as ‘centrally located’ or ‘just a five-minute walk to the metro.’ However, these guys will say anything for a sale, so it’s important to do your own location research. Using Google Maps to locate where the hostel in relation to the areas you want to visit, make sure you know what you’re booking.

Always keep your safety in mind

Sadly, you can never guarantee the safety of your belongings when you travel. That’s just the way it is. Every time you leave your suitcase in an airport or in a hostel (or even a hotel) you never know what is going to happen – but you can do your best to ensure your possessions are kept safe. Make sure that you book your hostel in a safe neighborhood, and ensure that you take numerous combinations padlocks with you on your travels. Just to be sure, it’s also a good idea to label your luggage with your name, address and contact number just in case. For your own benefit, take a picture of your suitcase or backpack before you leave to show the relevant officials if your stuff is stolen.

Make sure you’re up to date on the check-in and check-out times

A hostel is not like a 5* hotel – and many do not have 24-hour concierges or even receptionists. Because of this, it’s important to ensure that you are aware of the hostel’s check-in and check-out times, because they may not agree with your itinerary. If you know your overnight train will be arriving in the early hours of the morning, it would be an idea to contact the hostel before you go to see if they will be able to make arrangements to check you in. The same goes for the check-out times.

Each hostel is different

One of the best things about hostels is that each one is different, and they each have their own vibe. Most hostels around the world try to offer their own social scene for their visitors, and may often house their own bar or games rooms to accommodate their guests. By looking at their website, you’ll be able to get a feel for their vibe. If they are a buzzing hub of drinking and DJ’s, the introverted travelers may want to steer clear. If they are in the middle of nowhere that features just one communal kitchen, the travelers looking for a good time may want to choose somewhere else.

Hotels are one of the cheapest ways to travel the world – but you need to know how to choose the right one!

Kelly Wilbanks

posted in Products

I was four days postpartum and felt abandoned. Yes, “abandoned.” At least that’s how my hormone-induced emotional low left me feeling as I sat in the middle of my bed, a mere 15 feet from my showering husband and overly helpful mother-in-law in the kitchen. I felt alone.

I sat precariously on a hemorrhoid pillow, holding my barely sleeping infant, and felt my blood sugar crashing. I didn’t want to yell to my family in fear of waking my baby, but I couldn’t reach my water. I needed food like a starving captive and I felt trapped. I was in pain and moving an inch sent shockwaves through my throbbing lady parts. The tears fell fast and furious as I sat helpless on a donut pillow until my mother-in-law found me.

That was six years and three children ago. I’ve learned some things since then that helped me immensely with babies number two and three. Having a comfortable nursing station set up with everything you need within reach is essential.

Nursing station essentials

1. A comfortable chair: Have a designated nursing chair that fits your body size and type. The most comfortable chair in our house is my husband’s rocking recliner. The only problem is it’s built for a 6′ 3″ man and not someone a foot shorter than that. I liked being able to recline in his chair, but I don’t like that my feet don’t touch the floor.

Given that you’ll be using this chair daily it’s worth spending a little money finding something that fits you. You’ll appreciate being able to stand easily when you are stiff and sore after laboring. You’ll also want to be able to rock and snag a nap with your sleeping baby at times. I like that this one from Angel Line is wide and has an easy-pull lever on the side. (Amazon, $ 299.37)

2. Support pillows: Everyone is aware of the Boppy pillow and I’ve loved mine. It was great not only for nursing, but later on for supporting my daughter when we did tummy time (when also I took a million pictures of her). It was also helpful when my older children were holding their new baby sister.

I’ve tried the My Brest Friend pillow and the Boppy. I didn’t like having to snap the Brest Friend pillow around my waist. I mistakenly thought that feature meant I could carry my daughter around with me, but it explicitly states on the packaging not to do that. So, for me the Boppy has remained a nursing station staple. (Amazon, $ 39.99)

3. Baby blankets: I gave burp rags a chance, but found I just reached for the closest thing available — often a baby blanket, and sometimes even the one my child is in. They do the job. I love the Aden + Anais brand because they’re breathable, and great for swaddling. They come in beautiful prints too. (Amazon, $ 34.95)

4. Shower caddy: Okay, this may sound a bit weird, but I like their size, shape, and portability. You could use a diaper bag, a cleaning caddy from the Dollar Store or even just a basket to keep your nursing supplies together. But whatever you use, keep it stocked with these items: water bottle, wipes, granola bars (or other easily eaten nonperishable items), binkies, nipple pads, nipple cream (coconut oil works great), and nipple shields, if you need them. The fact that it’s portable makes it easy to take to a second location, like the nursery you spent so much time perfecting.

I liked this one from mDesign because it doesn’t look like your typical shower caddy. It has firm walls, which I prefer to a bag or something that collapses when it’s less full. You’ll want to be able to easily see what you have in there. I like just having one caddy to restock. It’s easier to keep track of what you need. This one looks like it can hold all your essentials, and depending on what you need, maybe some supplies for your baby too. (Amazon, $ 15.99)

5. A charging station: You’ll want your phone near you. Even if it’s just to capture a picture of your baby in various stages of sleep. Or maybe you want to catalogue your nursing statistics on the latest app. You’ll be thankful to have a spot to plug in your phone. Keep the remote handy too. I usually loved keeping the distractions to a minimum at times when I nursed my babies. But other times I just wanted to zone out with another episode of The Office.

This one allows you to charge multiple devices at once and includes a 4-pack of charging connectors. I like that there is a spot for my Fitbit and I could prop my phone, Kindle, or tablet up if needed. The bamboo looks sturdy too so it won’t get unbalanced easily. (Amazon, $ 25.99)

These are my essentials. As your body (and your baby’s!) adjusts to nursing, you’ll soon be able to nurse anywhere. But be kind to yourself those first few weeks. You’ll be glad you did.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

One of the biggest lingering questions following Wednesday’s release of thousands pages of documents related to the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting is three phone calls Donald Trump Jr. placed to blocked telephone numbers before and after the meeting.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Congress must have a deal to fund the federal government before the summer break in August or lawmakers would have to stay in Washington.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Saturday that it will dismantle its nuclear test site in less than two weeks, in a dramatic event that would set up leader Kim Jong Un’s summit with President Donald Trump next month.Top Headlines

SPECIAL NEWS BULLETIN:

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

If you’ve found your soulmate after a failed marriage, you’re probably anxious to move forward and turn over a new leaf in your life.

With new love in the air, you may also be thinking of getting remarried. If you are, you could be wondering if there is anything you should do to wrap up your previous marital matters and protect yourself, your family, and your future spouse in case things don’t go as planned.

In this post, find out three important things you should do before saying “I do” for the second time.

1. Make Sure You Are Divorced

This suggestion may seem absurd, but attempting to get married without being properly divorced can happen, especially because the distinction between separation and divorce in the eyes of the law can be unclear.

A separation typically means a couple is not together anymore but it doesn’t mean they’re legally divorced (and ergo, eligible to remarry). So, if you’ve tied the knot before, you’ll need to ensure you are actually divorced—and not just separated—before exchanging your vows with another person.

One way to check if your divorce was legitimate is to go to a vital record’s office in your state and attempt to pull a divorce decree (sometimes called a divorce certificate).

Likewise, individuals who divorce in a foreign country may find they are not actually divorced in the United States. This is because the rules and requirements regarding marriage and divorce in other countries can differ greatly from laws in the States, and other conditions, such as evidence that both spouses had an opportunity to be heard before the divorce was granted, may be required before the divorce can be properly recognized.

Similarly, you may want to check with your local records office to make sure everything is in order.

Weddings can be expensive, so before you say yes to the dress (or suit), pick your cake, and finalize your guest list, you should confirm your legal relationship status.

2. Protect Yourself with a Prenuptial Agreement

A Prenuptial Agreement (often called a prenup) can seem ominous in that it addresses what you and your husband or wife will do after your relationship has ended, but this agreement is actually very useful and is recommended if you:

Have children with someone else

Want to protect anything that personally belongs to you or belonged to you before your relationship, such as personal property, inheritances, businesses, or investments

Want to avoid certain disagreements or misunderstandings about current and future financial responsibilities

When you plan to remarry, it is understandable to not want to be bogged down by the thought of your current relationship failing, but prenups can save a lot of headaches (and heartaches) for you and your husband or wife in case things don’t go as planned.

3. Update Your Estate Plans

Depending on when you originally created your estate plans, your estate documents, like your Power of Attorney or Last Will and Testament, likely reference your previous relationship, and as you enter this new chapter of your life, you’ll want to update these documents.

It’s impossible to know when these documents will be needed, so to protect yourself, your family, and your future husband or wife, you should ensure your estate documents accurately reflect your current situation.

A good rule to follow is to update your estate documents after any major life events (including having or adopting a child, purchasing a home, and more).

Start Your Next Chapter Properly

Although we all want our fairy tale life to start sooner rather than later, without taking the appropriate steps before getting remarried, you can quickly end up the protagonist of your own tragic tale.

Confirming your relationship status, getting a prenup, and updating your estate plans are just three things you should do before getting remarried that can be essential to protecting yourself—and your family—from future problems or mishaps.

Is there anything else you would recommend to someone who’s getting remarried? Let us know in the comments!

And we know — research can be daunting. Which is exactly why we’ve gathered some of the most important and interesting Cinco de Mayo trivia for your knowledge-loving brain to absorb. Not only will you be better informed after perusing the below, but you might just wow a friend or two as you celebrate the day. So, like, double win.

Read on for knowledge!

1. Cinco de Mayo is not a day to celebrate Mexican independence.

Many people believe that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican independence. However, the holiday actually celebrates Mexico’s victory over France during the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. The French army was much larger but the Mexican people stood their ground in Puebla, and won. While the French eventually did overtake the city, it’s still considered a victory.

2. Cinco de Mayo started in the U.S. in the 1960s.

Some might wonder how this Mexican celebration of victory over the French made its way to the United States. In the 1960s, Chicano activists began to raise more awareness about Cinco de Mayo because they could identify with the victory of indigenous Mexicans. They felt that the Battle of Puebla was a good way to celebrate Mexican heritage, and so it began.

3. There’s an American Civil War tie-in.

If it weren’t for victory at the Battle of Puebla, France may have helped the South during the American Civil War, which could have completely changed the outcome.

4. President Roosevelt made the holiday more popular in the U.S.

In 1933, Roosevelt enacted the “Good Neighbor Policy,” which was supposed to improve relations with Latin American countries. Cinco de Mayo became an essential way to connect the two different cultures.

5. Cinco de Mayo isn’t considered a big holiday in Mexico.

While the day is widely recognized in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo isn’t considered a federal holiday in Mexico, and celebrations are relatively small compared to those in the United States.

6. The largest Cinco de Mayo event in the WORLD happens in L.A.

That’s right — Los Angeles! The Festival de Fiesta Broadway is the world’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration. More than 600,000 people celebrate annually. Two other significant festivals are held in Denver, Colorado and St Paul, Minnesota.

7. The city of Puebla has the largest celebration in Mexico.

While Cinco de Mayo may not be incredibly popular in Mexico, it’s still an important day in the city of Puebla, which is where the historic battle took place.

8. Celebrations in Mexico are totally different than the U.S-based ones.

While many in the U.S. associate the day with happy hour margaritas and guac, in Puebla, it’s referred to asEl Día de la Batalla de Puebla (The Day of the Battle of Puebla). The holiday is celebrated with political speeches, battle re-enactments, parades, and fireworks.

9. Americans consume more than 80 million pounds of avocados on Cindo de Mayo.

It’s no secret that guacamole is the dish to eat in the U.S. on Cinco de Mayo. That adds up to a lot of avocados. In fact, the California Avocado Commission says that Americans consume up to 81 million pounds of avocados on Cinco de Mayo every year.

10. It’s also the day Americans drink the most tequila.

Avocados aren’t the only thing Americans are inhaling on May 5th. It’s also the largest tequila consumption day in the country. Since 2002, U.S. imports of tequila have grown almost 50 percent, and in 2008 alone, more than 10.6 million 9-liter cases of tequila were sold.

11. Tacos are not considered the traditional dish of the day.

Aside from guac and margs, everyone knows that Cinco de Mayo is all about the tacos… right? Wrong. In Puebla, the traditional dish eaten on this holiday is mole poblano. Mole (which is pronounced with an emphasis on the second syllable, like guacamole) was invented in the 17th century, and is a thick sauce made of chocolate, chili peppers, and other spices. It’s traditionally served over turkey legs. So if you want to celebrate Mexican heritage on May 5th, put down the tacos, and go to an authentic restaurant.

12. It’s the 7th largest holiday for the U.S. beer industry.

Tequila and avocados aren’t the only items in demand on Cinco de Mayo — so is beer. The beer industry reports almost $ 700 million in beer sales on May 5th.

13. In Vancouver, they celebrate with skydiving boogie.

Vancouver, Canada celebrates the holiday with a tradition called a “skydiving boogie,” which involves aerial acrobatics and an annual air show. Sounds pretty interesting.

Try to keep this Cinco de Mayo trivia in mind when you celebrate this year. The holiday is more special when we understand its context and history.

If national treasures like the Grand Canyon or the Statue of Liberty are on your must-visit bucket list, consider moving them to the top. A host of forces, from rising sea levels to wind erosion, have put the future of some of America’s most iconic landscapes and monuments in jeopardy. Scroll through to see 20 of our nation’s most beloved natural and man-made monuments that may be unrecognizable—or may not be here at all—in as little as a few decades.Bob Vila : Trusted Home Renovation & Repair Expert

What is the biggest mistake you see buyers make when considering a home purchase?

FAILING TO CONSIDER ALL OF THEIR OPTIONS!

Homeowners will sacrifice their dream location because they can’t find a house that suits their needs or leave a neighborhood they love because they have outgrown their home. There is no need to compromise! In both situations, an addition provides the perfect solution. For homeowners who love their neighborhood, an addition can drastically increase available living space and may also be more cost efficient that moving would be!

When looking to buy, if there are no available properties in your desired neighborhood that offer the space you need, an addition can turn a smaller home into your dream home! While we all love the idea of a “move in ready” home, a little extra effort and the help of an expert team can result in the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood with no regrets! – Bole Cirovic, www.Modular.ca

Sabrina Garibian

posted in Products

Want to learn how to teach your children to swim before age 3? I’m going to tell you.

My daughter can easily swim the short length of our pool underwater. She can tread water for at least a minute. Although she sort of looks like she’s drowning, she’s perfectly fine and happy. She can swim underwater almost the full length of the pool and has enough strength and coordination to take a few above-water breaths, allowing her to swim the full length of the pool.

She’s 2 years old.

I didn’t realize how unusual this was until I saw my friend’s 6-year-old daughter afraid to put her face in the water, or until I watched my neighbor’s dad sit nervously by the pool as he can’t swim.

I have four children, ages 6, 5, 2, and an infant. The older three can all swim, and I feel confident that they could save themselves if they fell into water at any time. While I’d like to credit my husband’s athletic genes, that’s not the reason they can swim.

I have a few tricks up my sleeve, and I’m going to share them with you. Here’s how to teach your children to swim before age 3:

1. Give them plenty of opportunities to swim.

This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s not so easy if you live in a land-locked area or don’t have access to a pool. Do the best you can to provide opportunities to swim, as the more experience and practice they have, the better they will be.

2. Sign them up for year-round lessons.

Swimming lessons year-round are a great idea for young children and even children who already know how to swim. They will have the opportunity to practice swimming every week, will learn proper form and technique, and will learn safety skills as well. My girls go to Goldfish Swim School, where they have fun in the pool while learning important skills. In just a few weeks my 2-year-old has gone from forgetting how to hold her breath underwater to diving to the bottom to pick up a toy from the pool floor and swimming to the side.

3. Just dump them in.

I know some people disagree with me and think this is too rough, but it works. From a young age I let my children get splashed in the water. I dunk them in and then lift them out of the water. I hold their hands when they jump in, but don’t help them bring their heads above water unless they can’t figure it out in a second or two. I contribute all of that to my children being very comfortable in the water from a young age and also learning how to swim early on.

4. Use toys to help.

When my oldest was 2, I would give him a kickboard and swim lengths of the pool alongside him as he kicked his way across. When he was hesitant or afraid to continue, I would throw a floating toy a few feet ahead of him so he would kick hard to retrieve it.

When I wanted my daughter to learn to swim underwater, I started dropping toys to the pool floor for her to retrieve. This is a fun game they still all play years later. Using toys helps add fun to the experience!

5. Don’t use floatation devices.

We use Puddle Jumpers up until about age 3 or 4, but I make sure to remove all floatation devices in the pool for at least a few minutes every time we are swimming. This helps the kids understand that they can’t float. It gives them an opportunity to practice swimming. And it reminds you that you always need to stay within arms’ length of your children in the pool. It isn’t easy, especially when you have several children, to do this, but even 5 minutes every pool trip can make a difference!

These are just my opinions on teaching your children to swim before age 3, but I feel confident in them as I’ve now taught three children to swim with these methods.

Saving for college is kind of like dieting—it’s something you should do, but it’s oh, so hard. Like many difficult tasks, saving for college may be best done with the advice of an expert.

Northwestern Mutual, the life insurance company, recently conducted a study of African American parents to learn how they save for college. The insurer learned that African American parents do the following:

Work side jobs to earn money that is earmarked for saving

Start relatively early—before their child is 10

Solicit savings help from grandparents and others

Unfortunately, fully 35% of black parents plan to rely on loans to fund some portion of their child’s college education costs.

I spoke with Francisca Brown, Northwestern Mutual director of African American market strategy, to learn more.

“Sixteen percent of African American parents were saving for college using a 529 plan,” Brown told me. “But, 13% were using money market accounts or certificates of deposit.”

Brown suggests that African American parents come out ahead if they work with a financial planner who can guide them to the best vehicles for saving.

“African American families don’t talk about money,” Brown says, echoing a sentiment I’ve heard before. So how can black parents effectively save when money is a taboo subject?

“You can do it right, structure a plan,” Brown says, by working with a financial planner. Northwestern Mutual financial planners do not charge a fee; they earn money by their commissions on the financial products they sell you.

But doesn’t that incentivize them to sell products that the client doesn’t need? Brown says no.

“It has to be about the client and the client’s needs.” Northwestern Mutual is a major life insurance company that would discipline advisers who didn’t act in the client’s best interests.

Some Northwestern Mutual financial advisers offer services in churches or through Jack and Jill, an African American family and social organization.

“We want to help African Americans learn about financial tools, the basics of saving, financial institutions and banking, and life insurance policies,” Brown says. “Our advisers meet the client where they are and grow with the client.”

Some steps advisers use to work with clients:

Asking questions to see where clients are financially

Helping them with legacy planning

Developing a unique plan that suits the client’s needs

Informing clients of their options

Making sure clients are protected

“With the right plan in place,” Brown says, “it is possible to save for college and still meet other financial goals.”

It doesn’t matter if a diet works if you won’t stick to it. As a matter of fact, adapting a diet that you won’t stick to can leave you worse off than before you tried it.

We know that many of the health outcomes we seek require some changes to how we eat. However, a complete overhaul to our eating style is usually a set up for inconsistency and lack of results. Motivation may get you started. But, if you want to keep going for the long haul and continue to reap results, consider these three things before changing your diet.

How Much Time You Spend Preparing Food

If you’re a 10-minute meal type of person, don’t pick a plan that includes complicated recipes. You can improve your health and weight management by including items like pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, bagged salads, and frozen vegetable blends in your weekly meals. Those items will be full of healthy protein and fiber. But, you won’t need to spend tons of time in the kitchen to prepare them.

How Much Money You Are Willing to Spend on Food

Some experts recommend following an organic diet as the path to better health. However, if a 100% organic diet doesn’t fit your budget, you may feel like you can’t make a difference in your health. That’s not true. There are plenty of healthy food items that are budget friendly. Foods like eggs, canned tuna, oatmeal, and frozen vegetables are budget friendly healthy alternatives.

What You Prefer to Eat

No matter how beneficial any particular diet can be, if you hate the food that’s on the plan, it’s not sustainable. This is especially true if the meal plan you are considering doesn’t include any of the traditional foods and spices that are central to your culture. You may feel like you need to trade in your culturally familiar food or be healthy. However, you don’t have to choose. There is a middle ground. So, make sure that any diet you plan to follow already includes some of the foods that you like.

If you find a diet that checks out in all three of the areas mentioned above, that one is likely one that you will stick to long enough to get results. However what most people find, is that no diet that they’ve seen before checks out in all three categories. That’s precisely why so many of us struggle to stay consistent.

The answer to that dilemma is to create your own diet instead of searching for one!

How to Create Your Own Diet

Start by writing down the meals that you typically eat. Once you have at least three options written for each meal time, assess those meals. Check them to see if they have a source of protein and vegetables or fruit. Having a source of protein and fiber rich vegetables of fruit is the foundation of a healthy meal. Place a star by any of your meals that don’t meet the criteria.

Write down which foods you will include in the starred meals to cover the missing components. Now you have just created customized meals that are more likely to keep you fuller longer, help you avoid cravings, and make it easier to manage your weight.

That simple process is an amazing start to immediately improve your diet. The cost and convenience of your meals will be relatively unchanged. And, those changes are enough to start moving toward consistency and results. Sure there’s more that you can do to your meals to optimize them even more. However, you can always fine tune your meals later. Making small changes to improve your meals rather than overhauling your diet all at once is a huge step in the right direction.

Creating the right plan for you upfront is the key to end the on again off again cycle that so many of us experience with our eating habits. Now you have the key to greater consistency and results that feels goods. Positive change doesn’t have to hurt.

Author Info:
Concita Thomas is the Food & Fitness Strategist behind ConcitaThomas.com. She is on a mission to help busy career women and female entrepreneur’s look and feel fierce without making the process a second job.

Sometimes the truth hurts – just ask the couples on Married at First Sight. On the Tuesday, April 17, episode of the relationship reality show, the newlyweds were getting nervous as decision day fast approached. Some couples discussed the possibility that they might never fall in love, while others decided it was time to call it quits … immediately.

Boys Will Be Boys

After their huge fight, Molly packed a bag and left Jonathan – seemingly, for good. They both seemed sad about what they saw as a failure, but pretty firm in their decision to end it. Later, Jonathan met up with the other husbands and revealed that they’d decided to end it. Ryan and Jephte were very surprised.

Ryan then revealed that he didn’t feel very connected to his wife at this point, either. “If I were to cut ties, honestly, I wouldn’t be heartbroken at all,” Ryan confessed of his marriage to Jacqueline.

Girl Talk … Plus, Ryan

Molly, meanwhile, confided in the other women, who were both completely freaked out by the abrupt end of her marriage and worried it could happen to them. Jacqueline came home to Ryan to tell him how upset she was and he replied by saying they would always be connected – for better or for worse – no matter how their own marriage played out. He then confirmed that he was unsure about decision day. Jacqueline didn’t like hearing that so much.

Later, Ryan apologized and said he wasn’t really wavering. To show his true devotion, he gave her a necklace molded from flowers from their wedding. Talk about a 180!

Shawniece and Jephte Might Never Fall in Love

Shawniece and Jephte are hanging in there, but things were patchy. One moment they seemed perfectly fine and the next, they were bickering over who should drive that day. Jephte was freaked out by their constant arguing, but wasn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet.

This report provides valuable information about the current condition of a home and possible future issues. Essentially, it provides a detailed checkup of the home.

Unlike a typical home inspection, the home is tested under dynamic conditions in order to show how it breathes (are there leaks) and the condition of it’s heart (furnace/AC systems), arteries (ducts), and coat (insulation). The tests also show how effective and efficient air filtration is in the home, ensures all gas and combustion appliances are leak free, checks quality of building materials and effectiveness of the exhaust ventilation.

In case of any indoor air quality concerns, a separate assessment is performed. Samples for mold, bacteria or any other contaminant are processed by a registered lab. The report also includes a list of improvements recommended to rectify deficiencies found and a post renovation/ improvements test can be performed to verify the results. – Andrej Bagar, www.FluxAir.ca

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) Anti-doping officials conducted more than 3,000 tests ahead of the Commonwealth Games in an effort to weed out athletes who might be cheating well ahead of their competitions.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg sat in a big-boy seat on Tuesday — as he used a height-boosting cushion during his grilling before the Senate. The 5-foot-7 executive squirmed in a chair that included a 4-inch-thick pad under his behind while being blasted for hours with questions from lawmakers about his social network’s handling of user…News | New York Post

Suge Knight’s post-Death Row Records struggle life continues as the New York Daily News is reporting that the former H.N.I.C. was transferred to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center on Tuesday (April 3) and remained there until Thursday morning.
At a criminal court hearing last month Knight, 52, complained about his deteriorating health with the judge overseeing his murder case offered to sign a medical order submitted by his lawyer. Relatives of Suge told the Daily News that Knight suffered from dangerous blood clots and even had an emergency appendix surgery in March 2016.

Since his arrest for a fatal hit-and-run in 2015, Knight has been rushed to the hospital multiple times by ambulance and this most recent one is just the latest. Knight has pleaded not guilty to the charge insisting he was the victim of an ambush. Suge is currently on his 16th lawyer after his last counsel was hit with accessory to murder charges.

A Donald Trump foreign policy adviser pushed government agencies to review materials from the dark web in the summer of 2016 that he thought were Hillary Clinton’s deleted emails, multiple sources with direct knowledge tell CNN.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

The sudden death of Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan in January stunned her fans around the world.

Although O’Riordan had been open over the years about the mental-health challenges she had endured, friends were mystified by her apparent decision to take her own life as they believed she had been in a good place in the days and weeks before her death.

Now, TMZ has obtained what is believed to be a final voicemail from O’Riordan to her manager, and it will only deepen that sense of astonishment, as it appears to show O’Riordan in excellent form, bubbly and positive about a new cover version of her song “Zombie” that another band, Bad Wolves, was recording.

Three-month-old babies cannot understand words and are just learning to roll over, yet they are already capable of learning abstract relations. In a new study, researchers show for the first time that 3-month-old infants can learn same and different relations.Infant and Preschool Learning News — ScienceDaily

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

In the first post, we discussed how, before signing your employee agreement, it’s wise to:

Review your job title and duties to ensure they match the position you interviewed for

Double check the salary listed is the one you agreed upon

Ensure you understand how overtime and time off benefits work

Familiarize yourself with any additional or restrictive clauses in the employment agreement (e.g. non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality clauses)

In this second part, we’ll discuss considering travel requirements, clarifying work hours, reviewing employee benefits, and evaluating company culture before signing on the dotted line.

Consider the Travel Requirements in Your Employment Contract

Travel is something many people often overlook when they’re considering taking a job, but it’s important to keep in mind that traveling to and from work, in some cases, can be a large part of your day.

If you’re fielding multiple job offers where all other factors (like pay, benefits, workload, etc.) are equal, the commute could possibly be your deal breaker. Having a 30- or 45-minute trip doesn’t necessarily sound too horrible until you consider that both ways (to and from work) can mean up to an hour-and-a-half in your car or on public transit.

It’s also important to consider how commute times can alter (sometimes drastically) at different times of day (e.g. morning and evening rush hour, lunch time, etc.) and different times of year.

For example, in Maine or even upstate New York, a typical 30-minute commute can very easily become an hour or an hour-and-a-half in the winter.

One last thing to keep in mind is business travel. Some jobs expect no travel at all, while others expect the majority of your work time to be spent out of the office. This can mean traveling to various job sites or other cities, states, or countries for meetings and conferences. Before you sign your Employment Contract, you should ask about the travel requirements and you should clarify whether or not you’ll be compensated for travel time, meals, flights, gas, etc., and what that compensation will be.

Clarify the Working Hours for Your New Position

Sometimes there can be a difference between the hours you are expected to work on paper and an unspoken expectation of the hours you’re really meant to work.

This doesn’t mean that an employer might expect you to underreport your hours or leave off any overtime (although this does happen), it just means you might have to consider how your work life might intermingle with your personal life.

Many people work a standard 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job (or some such variation), and when everyone punches out, the day is done. But there are certain employers that expect their employees to check their work emails after hours and on weekends or to be on call at all times in case of work emergencies.

Before you sign your contract, you should ask about what’s expected of you in terms of being on call. Are you meant to put in your 40 hours in the office and keep an eye out for phone calls or emails from your boss on Saturdays?

Some employers expect you to work your 40 hours and nothing more, while others expect you to be at their beck and call. It’s best to clarify this before you accept the position so you know exactly what you’re getting into on day one.

Review and Understand the Benefits Plans

In today’s economy, employee benefits are an important factor when workers are contemplating employment opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Labor released a report in 2017 that detailed the percentage of employers (across the civilian, private, and local and state government sectors) that offer some form of benefits (retirement, medical care, and life insurance) to their employees. The results found an average of 72% of employees had access to these types of benefits and an average of 65% of employees used the benefits.

Typically, employers who offer benefits plans include some form of the following:

Retirement plan

Health insurance

Vision and dental coverage

Life insurance

Short- or long-term disability

With the majority of employers offering benefits, applicants and job hunters have the chance to compare benefits packages so they can make judgments about which job offer they might take. It’s a good idea to review the employer’s benefits plans, make sure you understand them, and see how they measure up to other plans from your current job or another position you might be contemplating.

Evaluate the Company Culture

One final thing you should reflect on is what the working environment is like. People struggle and thrive in very different environments, so it’s important to consider how you’ll fare in a specific environment before you sign up.

Do the people look content to be at work? Or are they all visibly stressed and discontent?

Will you fit in?

One last question you might also ask yourself is “Do I care about the company culture?” because it’s not something that matters to everyone. Many people can put up with working in an environment where they aren’t always content if other factors (like pay or benefits or the company’s mission) outweigh their needs for contentment. Hopefully, you’ll never have to choose between your personal happiness and a paycheck, but it’s a choice that some people have to consider.

Taking the Next Steps in Your Career

Receiving a job offer is a thrilling experience, but it can come with many uncertainties that you’ll want to clarify. Don’t be afraid to evaluate the implications of accepting the offer before you sign the contract. There’s no harm in being a little cautious and ensuring you understand everything you’re getting into before taking a new job.

If you’re heading to the airport for a vacation or business trip, you will probably already be planning how you’re going to kill the hour or two before your flight. If you’re not a big fan of food on the plane (which most people aren’t), then you may be considering filling your belly before you board. However, there are some things you should know before you decide what to eat at an airport.

Avoid the in-flight offerings

We have already briefly touched on this, but we thought we would delve into it in more detail. While some people just don’t like in-flight food, others begrudge paying so much for the measly offerings served on the plane. Airline providers know that you’re pretty stuck for food choices when you’re on the plane, so they can charge what they want for their food. Make sure you fill up before you board.

Avoid the express option

If you don’t have a lot of time, then you might consider somewhere like Cibo Express or Starbucks to grab a quick bite to eat. Unfortunately, these places also charge for their convenience, and you won’t be getting a lot for your money. Plus, much of the food is left sitting there all day, so you’re not always going to get something fresh. If you’re really pushed for time, opt for a cheese plate.

Go for the fries

In fact, go for any food item that the restaurant’s kitchen probably cooks a lot of. The airport isn’t the kind of place to try out something new or fancy; it’s best sticking with comfort foods likes fries. As many of the restaurants use the same kitchens and staff behind the scenes, food that is regularly cooked is likely to taste as it should.

Avoid the fresh food

If you’re trying to be healthy, the airport is not the place to do it. Raw fruit, vegetables, and salad items are a breeding ground for bacteria in an airport. The kitchens move fast, transportation between terminals isn’t always the best, and many foods can sit out for quite a while. If you opt for ‘fresh food’, then you might end up with a bit of a stomach upset. It’s much safer to stick to the cooked food items.

The same applies to meat

If you like your steak or burger rare, then airport food probably isn’t for you. As we have mentioned, airport kitchens can be hasty places, and they might not always cook the meat to the correct internal temperature as recommended by the USDA, to eradicate any bacteria. Medium-rare upwards should be fine, however.

Bye-bye buffets

Don’t those buffet dinners look tempting? Big slices of pizza and bowls of pasta that look like they could really fill that hole in your stomach. Unfortunately, these are the kind of foods that have been sitting out for a while. If you find that employees are constantly replacing the dishes and restocking the buffet, however, then it is a good sign that the food is tasty and fresh.

Go for big brands

While most people will tell you that it’s important to stick to your independents when dining out, that isn’t the case at airports. At the end of the day, the big chains are determined to keep their reputation. This means that they’ll go above and beyond to keep their customer happy and have brand-standards that have to be followed in all of their stores; airport or non-airport. They also tend to be the cheapest options, as well.

The next time your plane is delayed, and your belly is rumbling, consider these pointers when you’re choosing what to eat at the airport. Avoid the salads and food lying around for too long and go for the comfort foods from your favorite chains instead. It sure beats a soggy sandwich on the plane!

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is taking up its second big partisan redistricting case of the term amid signs the justices could place limits on drawing maps for political gain.

The justices are hearing arguments Wednesday in an appeal filed by Republicans in Maryland. They complain that Democrats who controlled the state government in 2011 drew a congressional district for the express purpose of ousting the Republican incumbent and replacing him with a Democrat.

In Wisconsin, Democrats are challenging legislative districts drawn by Republicans statewide. Those districts gave Republicans a huge majority in a state that otherwise is closely divided between the parties.

The Supreme Court has never struck down districts for being too partisan.

A decision in favor of opponents of partisan gerrymandering could cut into the political power of the dominant party in states in which one party controls the state government.

The court is expected to issue decisions in both cases by late June.

Maryland’s 6th Congressional District had been centered in rural, Republican-leaning northwestern Maryland and had elected a Republican to Congress for 20 years. Incumbent Rep. Roscoe Bartlett won re-election in 2010 by 28 percentage points.

But in the 2011 redistricting, Democrats altered the district to take in some Democratic suburbs of Washington, D.C. The new district had 62,000 fewer Republicans and 33,000 more Democrats. Bartlett lost the 2012 election by 21 percentage points.

Republican voters who sued over the changes said the state violated their First Amendment rights.

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, a Democrat, is defending the district as competitive for both parties. Frosh said the district has elected a moderate Democrat, and in 2014, a friendlier year for Republican candidates, the victory margin of Democratic Rep. John Delaney dropped to less than 2 percentage points, though it rose again in 2016.

Over the past 16 months, courts struck down political districting plans drawn by Republicans in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Federal judges threw out a state legislative map in Wisconsin and a congressional plan in North Carolina. In Pennsylvania, the state Supreme Court invalidated the state’s congressional districts and replaced them with a court-drawn plan.

The Supreme Court has put the drawing of new maps on hold in North Carolina and Wisconsin, but refused to block the Pennsylvania court’s adoption of revised congressional districts for this year’s elections.

When you’re reading over your job contract, you should make sure you understand everything from your job duties to your rights as an employee—you don’t want to run into any surprises after signing on the dotted line.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some things you should consider before signing an Employment Agreement.

Job Title and Duties in Your Employment Contract

The first thing you should check in your Employment Contract is that your job title and responsibilities match the position you interviewed for. If the description doesn’t match your expectations, bring it up to your supervisor or the HR representative walking you through your orientation before you sign.

It’s possible that there was just a clerical error, but if that’s not the case and you suspect your new employer’s expectations are different than what you thought, you can take this opportunity to voice your concerns or leave before you’re bound to a written contract.

For instance, some employees find themselves in circumstances where they interview for a “Manager” position but find their job title changed to “Lead” on their contract.

While a small change in wording like this doesn’t seem like much, it can affect things like wage increases because a team leader is often below a manager within a company’s structure. Moreover, being a lead versus a manager might also affect your job responsibilities.

Reviewing Your Salary Before Signing Your Contract

Salary is something many people take for granted when looking over their employment contracts.

You’d think the salary you agreed on in your job offer would be the same as the one included in your contract, but mistakes can happen. It’s best to be safe and check before signing your job agreement.

If your salary is different than you expected, it’s important to determine if there is an explanation in the contract. For instance, part of your salary might be divided into commission or bonuses or other benefits granted by your employer.

It’s crucial that you understand exactly how you’re meant to be compensated for your work and if economic incentives based on job performance (like tips, commission, or bonuses) affect your salary or hourly wage.

You should also take time to familiarize yourself with how often you’re paid (e.g. weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.) as the pay period can differ from company to company.

Some employers even offer advances, which might not be something you’re aware of before signing your contract and could come in handy later if you’re ever in a financial pinch.

Although many employers pay their employees through a direct deposit system, there are still those who use checks. Be sure to double check the manner in which you’re paid in case you have to plan cashing your check into your regular routine.

Overtime and Time Off Benefits at Work

Many employers offer overtime pay and time off allowances (like vacation and sick time), but they can differ from job to job. Some employers pay out overtime (usually an increased wage like time-and-a-half for each extra hour worked) and others will bank overtime which can either be used later in the form of time off or can be cashed in at your regular hourly wage.

When looking into overtime, you should consider:

When overtime kicks in: Does it kick in after you work more than 8 hours in a day? Does it only take effect if you work more than 40 hours per week?

How much your wage increases if the time isn’t banked: Is it time-and-a-half? Double-time? Does it increase as your overtime hours increase?

How to cash in banked overtime hours: Do you get time off? Do you cash it in as your hourly wage? Do you cash in an overtime (increased) wage? Can you do a mix of both time off and payout?

Be sure to look at your state laws on overtime as well, as there may be regulations on when and how overtime is calculated.

You should also ask about the time off procedure if you’re unsure. Is it divided up into sick time, personal time, and vacation, or is it just one lump of time that you can divvy up however you’d like?

Keep in mind, some employers require you to work a full year to build up vacation and sick time before you’re entitled to use it. Others simply require you complete your probation period (usually three to six months) before you start using your time off benefits.

Additional and Restrictive Clauses in Your Employment Agreement

There are some clauses that appear in many Employment Agreements that you should familiarize yourself with.

Non-compete: A non-compete clause prevents the employee from unfairly competing against the employer during employment and after it ends. For example, an employee cannot open a competing business while employed with the current company.

Non-solicitation: A non-solicitation clause is a stipulation that prevents an employee from recruiting any of the company’s employees or contractors after said employee has left the company. Although poaching is popular in many industries, a former employee who is bound by a non-solicitation clause cannot participate in this practice without the risk of getting sued.

Confidentiality: A confidentiality clause keeps employees from divulging the company’s confidential information to anyone outside of the company or who is not privileged to that knowledge. This gets many people in trouble especially if they leave one company for a competitor and pass on client, supplier, or employee information to the competitor.

It’s important to read through these clauses in your contract and keep them in mind should you ever leave your current employer. The last thing you need is a lawsuit against you for passing on the names of your former employer’s major clients because you didn’t know the potential consequences.

Beginning a New Chapter in Your Career

Starting a new job is an exciting experience that can present you with new challenges and opportunities. Though it may be difficult, try not to let your excitement get to your head while you’re reviewing your contract.

After you look over your Employment Contract, write down any questions you have so that you can go over them with your manager or the hiring manager. You may feel obligated to return your signed contract quickly, but you’re entitled to take time to review it carefully to make sure that you understand what you are signing.

What’s the first thing you look at in an Employment Contract? Let us know in the comments!

Ahhh, the good ol’ summer vacation. Can’t you just taste it already? The sweet cocktails, the new and exciting foods, the blazing sun beating down on your back. Mmm. Ahhhh. Oops, sorry! We got a little carried away there. In the run-up to your summer vacation, you probably spend weeks packing and repacking your suitcase, making sure you pack the right items. Of course, you’re always going to need three changes of clothes a day – because why keep it casual when you’re on your vacay? You’ll need a good pair of glasses to hide the fact that you’re snoozing by the pool, and you’ll need some sunscreen… because you do NOT want to return home looking like a lobster. Y’know, unless that’s your thing. Yet, it seems you might want to wear also want to wear sunscreen before your plane lands.

Packing essential

Even if you choose to go on a winter vacation and make friends with bears on the top of a mountain (we hope you can ski pretty fast), you’ll still need to take sunscreen with you. Indeed, it’s a packing essential! No matter whether it’s hot or cold, or even if there’s a bit of cloud coverage, UV rays still beat down on your skin. Luckily, sunscreen helps to form a barrier between your skin to stop the rays from penetrating your body and causing long-term damage to your health. However, there are often times where these rays can still prove damaging, and it’s normally when you least expect it…

Before you fly

Before your flight takes off, you probably ensure that you’ve packed everything – although there’s still a high chance you still left your cell phone charger at home. You also make sure you’ve got some in-flight entertainment, like a magazine or a movie downloaded on your tablet. Of course, you also need to make sure you have snacks for the journey (duh). But have you ever made sure that you have applied sunscreen before you fly high in the skies? Most of us don’t, but experts now suggest we should apply sunscreen before and during your flights.

How it affects you

Despite the fact that you are covered by a metal container in the air, experts have confirmed that ultraviolet rays are still able to pass through the windows of the airplane – which can prove harmful to your skin and body. In fact, these rays are much more harmful up in the air as they are on the ground. Because they have further to travel, these rays are much stronger, and the airplane windows do not protect you from them. One 2015 study has noted that pilots spending just 56 minutes in the cockpit at 30,000 feet were subjected to the same amount of cancer-causing radiation as someone who has spent the last 20 minutes on a tanning bed.

What you need to do

Obviously, if you’re sitting near a window seat or just within sitting distance of a window, this radiation came filter through and damage your skin. Because of this, experts suggest that you should wear sunscreen whenever you board a flight to protect yourself. If you’re on a long-haul flight, you’ll then need to re-apply even more sunscreen every two hours. After all, you need to check yourself before you wreck yourself!

When you go on vacation, you probably don’t even think about applying sun lotion BEFORE you get to your final destination – but the experts have spoken. So, to keep you and your skin healthy, it’s always best to slather yourself before you expose yourself to any form of sunlight!

A few days ago, social media “tried it” as rumors circulated that alternative R&B’s favorite couple had gone their separate ways. After a gossip site reported the “One Man Can Change The World” rapper was spotted on a secret date …

Almost 10 percent of the world population suffers dyslexia. Establishing an early diagnosis would allow the development of training programs to palliate this disorder. We now may be nearer to reaching this goal thanks to a study associating auditory processing in children to their reading skills. The results offer a new approach for detecting the risk before the children learn to read.Literacy News — ScienceDaily

Basic Etiquette Before & After The Meal

RSVP

Reply To The Invitation In A Timely Manner

First of all, you should reply promptly to an invitation. In the US, it’s also called RSVP which stands for repondez sil vous plait or please respond. Traditionally, you should respond in the same way you receive the invitation. So if someone called you, call back. If someone actually wrote you a card or a letter, you should write back.

At larger gatherings, you are usually asked to respond by a certain date and you should definitely not miss that line. If nothing is indicated on invitation, respond in a timely manner. If you’re not sure about it yet, just give it a few days but not longer. If you already know whether you can or cannot make it at a certain date, get back to them right away because the sooner they know, the better they can plan and accommodate you and what you need. Once you’ve replied, add it to your calendar so you won’t forget it. Note, the invitation is only ever for people that are mentioned on the invitation.

By asking them if you can bring friends or your kids, you may put an unfair restrain on them because they may have budgetary reasons not to invite more people or they may not like others to be there so, just be polite and respect their wishes. On the other hand, if it’s an informal invitation, let’s say a barbecue at the neighbors, it’s totally fine to send them a text or call them and ask who exactly is invited. Children can always be tricky because on the one hand, they’re part of your family and you may not be inclined to pay for a babysitter, at the same time, it’s best to assume they’re not invited. If it hasn’t specifically mentioned children, look at the time of the event, a cocktail party likely is not meant to include children, a brunch, on the other hand, maybe so. In any case, if you bring your kids along, make sure to know proper table manners.

Let them know ahead of time if you have food allergies

Inform The Hosts In Advance If You Have Food Allergies

If you suffer from any food allergies, you should tell the hosts in advance, otherwise, they may prepare a meal and not be able to change and accommodate you on the spot. If you have a special diet that’s not medically prescribed, such as the Paleo diet, it’s quite impolite to ask the host to accommodate that because there may be other people invited.

Maybe you have actual allergies such as gluten intolerance, a seafood allergy, and if you also have requests, at the end of the day, the host may narrow down in the portfolio what they can offer. So if you’re truly not open to any other kinds of foods, not even willing to try a little bit of something that isn’t something you like, then I suggest you rather decline the invitation, otherwise, it will create awkward moments and people will be maybe irritated about you.

Always Keep Your Commitments

You should always keep your commitments. Not only does this reflect poorly in your character and people may consider you flaky, but the host and or hostess have gone to incredible lengths to accommodate you, they went grocery shopping, they made a meal plan, they invested in their liquor cabinet, in their wine selection, and they just made a huge effort, so just not showing up is extremely disrespectful. Cancellations for anything other than medical emergencies maybe deaths in a family, or other serious reasons, are simply not acceptable.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to back out of an invitation, always give a reason and apologize. Don’t just say I can’t come because that is extremely rude. Generally, it’s a good idea to confirm the invitation, the date, the occasion, and the time, just a few days in advance to make sure everyone is on the same page and no one marked it wrong on their calendar.

Davidoff Dom Perignon cigars

Offer To Bring Something

If you are invited to a dinner party, maybe a barbecue, or any other kind of informal arrangement, you should always offer to bring something. Only ask if you’re actually prepared to bring what the host requests from you. Most hosts won’t ask you to bring six bottles of champagne but if they do and you don’t bring it, it makes it look extremely cheap.

Also, be considerate and never create more work for the host. True story, once I had a guest and he volunteered to bring something so we asked them to bring dessert and they showed up with a box of brownie mix. I don’t have time to prepare dessert it has to be ready. If they say don’t bring anything at all, then you should definitely bring a gift such as a bottle of wine, maybe some chocolates, or flowers.

Various Sparkling Wines

If you know the host and hostess pretty well or you know if they have a specific hobby or something small that they would particularly like, it’s a very nice gesture of you to accommodate that because it makes them feel special and they can see that you put effort into it. You should never assume that a six-pack of beer or the wine you bring is for your own or for immediate consumption, it’s a gift and that’s it. If the host decides to open the bottle, it’s up to them, but you should never expect that in any way, shape, or form.

Mad Men Dinner Party

Show Up On Time

Always make sure to arrive on time which means you show up exactly the requested time or about 5 to 10 minutes later. Never show up earlier because everyone who has ever hosted a party knows that there’s a lot of work to be done and if guests show up early and you’re not done yet with your preparations, it’s frustrating and it’s just hard for you to manage with your time.

Be sure to let the hosts know if you will be late

So don’t be that guy who shows up early. If you’re stuck in traffic or you know you’re gonna be late in 5 or 10 minutes, call ahead, let them know and don’t just leave a voicemail or a text. Make sure they get the message because otherwise, they may have food that will be bad by the time you arrive and it doesn’t just affect you, if you have to eat a well-done steak but also as the host or hostess, you’re embarrassed and you feel like your investment was wasted if someone just shows up and the food is not good anymore. Many restaurants won’t seat you if show up more than 15 minutes late and even a home-based setting, it’s just impolite and rude.

Greet The Hosts Personally

Once you arrive, you should always greet the host and a hostess personally. Ideally with a handshake or a hug depending on what culture you’re in. If other people are invited that you don’t know, a good host will always introduce you to each other and he will always try to point out a similarity so you have a starting point for your conversation. Unfortunately, not all hosts do that. In that case, introduce yourself in the same way you would, otherwise.

Buffet style food service with plates.

Never Ask To Bring Anything Home

Once the meal is over, they may be leftovers. If you’re at someone’s home, you never ask to bring anything home even if you brought the dessert or the salad, you just leave it there in its entirety. If it’s a bowl or a tray that you’re particularly attached to, you can get it back at a later point in time but don’t create extra stress by having the host clean your bowl so you can take it home right away.

If at a restaurant, it’s a little different. If you are in Europe or in a business meeting, I suggest you don’t ask for boxes because it may come up as awkward, otherwise, in the US, in a more social setting, it’s perfectly appropriate to ask for a box to bring your leftovers home.

When Dining Out, Who Pays The Bill?

If you’re the restaurant, It can be a little tricky. In countries like Germany, if someone specifically invites you, it implies that they’re going to pay for the meal. In the US, it’s a little different because it only implies that your presence is welcomed, not that your bill will be paid for. Unless someone specifically says “let me buy you dinner”. Don’t assume that someone else will pay for your meal.

In more ambiguous situations, let’s say at a business meal, the person requesting the meeting should always pay for the dinner, of course, if you’re a business owner and a customer requests a meeting, you as the business owner should pay for dinner. The worst thing you can do is to argue over a bill at the restaurant. Sometimes people stubbornly insist on paying the tip and it’s a long back-and-forth and that’s almost worse than if you would just pay the entire bill or nothing at all because it creates a negative vibe.

In social situations in the US, you should assume that you pay for what you consumed, on the other hand, if you go to Italy, it’s very normal that you just split the bill evenly by the number of heads no matter who consumed what. If you splurged and added caviar for an appetizer, the champagne, or the Kobe beef, you should never offer to just split the bill evenly because that would mean other people have to pay for your luxury expenditures.

Never Leave Too Early Or Too Late – Be On The Lookout For Cues

It’s always impolite to leave a party early or right after dinner because it implies that you’re just there for the food and you’re not interested in the company. At the same time, don’t stay too late. Look for cues of the host, are they may be yawning because they’re tired, already starting to clean up and doing the dishes, or staring at their watch many times, or maybe have they stopped serving drinks two hours ago, that’s the case, it’s time to leave now.

I have been the host for a number of times where people really didn’t get the cue, in that case, I had to say you know, “I really have to get up early tomorrow morning, so it was a pleasure to have you but I must go to bed now” and that’s when I understood it. Usually, you’ll never have to go to those lengths because people will get your cues but if you have to say something, be polite and friendly.

A small bbq with friends is a great weekend tradition

No matter if you’re at a party with a hundred people or at a small intimate dinner, you should always personally say goodbye to the host and hostess. It’s quite rude to just disappear and people sometimes think “oh I don’t want to disturb them they’re just in conversation”, if they are, just wait, stick it out, and say goodbye personally because otherwise, they will always remember you in a bad way as the person who just leaves without saying goodbye.

If you’re part of a smaller dinner party with maybe four, six, eight, or ten people, you should always say goodbye to everybody. Of course, in a larger party, it’s not feasible to shake 200 hands and so it’s okay to just say goodbye to the host, maybe the people you had a conversation with or the people you know very well. In a business meeting, that means you shake everyone’s hand. If you’re in Germany, it also means you shake everyone’s hand no matter if it’s business or social. In the US, that’s not necessarily the case.

Be Sure To Return The Favor

If you enjoyed your evening, you should always return the favor and invite the host and hostess to you. It doesn’t matter if you think you can’t cook, you either come up with an idea or you invite them to a nice restaurant that you like and pick up the bill, it’s just a way to show them that you appreciate that they invited you and that you like to hang out with them. If you never invite people back, eventually, they’ll stop inviting you and that will be the end of the relationship.

Also, don’t come up with cheap excuses along the lines of “oh well, what could I offer them that they don’t know or they don’t have?”, even if they’re in a completely different pay grade than you are, they will always appreciate a sincere invitation and you can have great meals on a small dime. Just make it special, make it yours, and they’ll appreciate it. If not, maybe they are not the right people to hang out with in the first place. If someone invited you to their home, it is nice to invite them to your home as well. Again it doesn’t matter if you live in a much smaller place and it’s not as impressive what counts is the gesture.

Do Your Research

Etiquettes are different in different cultures and countries. If you’re traveling to a specific place, make sure to look up common habits beforehand so you know what you’re getting into and you’re not being perceived as rude.

Researchers are using new statistical analysis methods to compare how we observe infants develop new skills with the unseen changes in electrical activity in the brain, or electroencephalography (EEG) power. They found that most babies appear to learn new skills in irregular bursts, while their EEG power grows steadily behind the scenes.Infant and Preschool Learning News — ScienceDaily

Mary J. Blige and her estranged husband, Martin ‘Kendu’ Isaacs, were supposed to start their week-long divorce trial Monday morning in L.A., instead, it was called off because the two sides struck a deal on Friday.

In a statement to the court, shared by The Blast, he said he wanted his monthly spousal support raised from $ 30,000 to $ 65,000. At one point, Isaacs went as far as demanding nearly $ 130k per month in spousal support.

Blige vented about the “humiliating” experience she endured amid Isaacs’ alleged infidelity in her 2017 VH1 documentary “Strength of a Woman.” She also ripped him as a “con artist” in an interview with Variety in which she claimed he “played” and “suckered” her.

As a contractor, maintaining your client relationships is one of the most important parts of day-to-day work. From the very first consultation to the final sign-off meeting and everything in between, your client meetings will either make or break your professional relationship. If you want to keep the lines of communication open, clear, and positive, preparation and organization are key.

Here are 6 of our top tips to help you prepare for appointments with clients.

Initial meeting essentials

The first time you meet with a potential client, there will be plenty of things to discuss. Once you’ve secured a new lead, they will undoubtedly have questions about your qualifications, references, and past experience. If you want to be prepared for these kinds of questions, it’s a good idea to keep a folder or file with copies of your latest achievements and references handy whenever you meet with new clients.

You should also be prepared to discuss the basic costs of your services, including your pricing structure, incidentals, and any other one-off costs. This way, you can discuss your client’s financial needs by referencing your usual price plans and spreadsheets.

Once you’ve secured a new lead and know the ins and outs of their request, you can work out a broad outline for their building project that includes:

A timeline of work stages – including which portions of the job will be completed when and how long each stage should take

A list of incidentals – mentioning best and worst case scenarios to help prepare for any eventuality

A typed contract, finalized and ready for signing

Pre-meeting preparations

Before each consecutive meeting with a client, you should make sure you are up to speed with the building project by consulting with architects, subcontractors, and anyone else involved. Once you have their updates, you can come to your appointment with a clear idea of how the project is progressing and the next steps for both you and your clients.

Because your time is valuable, you should plan to arrive at each subsequent client meeting with a detailed agenda; even if you don’t share this with your clients, it will help you stay on track. If there is any paperwork to review or sign, don’t forget to print off enough copies for everyone to save time and hassle. Finally, remember to take notes throughout the meeting: bullet points are fine, but remember to write down any actionable points as soon as you discuss them to avoid forgetting them later. If you need help with this final point, consider using an audio recorder or note taking app to streamline this process and avoid confusion.

Progress reports

The first thing that most clients will be looking for during an appointment will be a progress report of their building project. While every job is different, this report will probably contain most of the following information:

Current timescale

Updated budget

Any subcontractor notes

As all contractors know, a happy client is one who is kept in the loop throughout a building project. You can also bolster the effectiveness of these progress reports by including photos and videos of the current state of their project or by sending out regular updates via smartphone app, email, or text. If your clients have regular access to this data, they will feel more comfortable during your appointments and will be more likely to trust the process.

Budget updates

Talking about money during a meeting with clients may not be the most exciting prospect, but it is necessary and expected—especially when building projects don’t go to plan. When discussing finances with your clients, make sure your facts and figures are all correct and up to date and try to be as clear as possible to avoid any issues later on down the line. If you need some help keeping your data all in one place, you can use construction management software or other financial programs to collate and store this information and save you time.

Delays and project issues

Because some construction jobs are unpredictable, it is essential that you remain transparent about the current state of your client’s project during a progress report meeting. Before your meeting, take note of any potential delays and project issues, such as:

Time delays

Budget overspends

Access issues

Building and planning permissions

If these are written down ahead of time, you can communicate them clearly but sensitively to your clients. Offering concrete solutions to the problems that come up will keep your clients happy while allowing the project to progress with as few issues as possible.

Question time

Although you may want to keep your appointments as brief as possible, you should always leave a few minutes at the end of each meeting to give your clients time to ask questions. Listening to your clients is just as important as completing their building project, so you can spare a few minutes to hear and respond to their concerns.

By taking time for preparation and planning, you can turn stressful and time-consuming client meetings into pleasant experiences that boost your customer service rating and help your business grow.

Jared Kushner, both a senior adviser to and son-in-law of the president of the United States, has received a good deal of recent attention, not much of it good. There is the appearance, and possible reality, of conflict of interest given that Mr. Kushner is meeting with people in his official capacity who just happen to be in a position to alleviate his and his family’s financial stress. There is the matter of his operating without a permanent security clearance while having access to sensitive intelligence. There is the cloud of the Mueller investigation hanging over his head. There is the confusion sowed by his being granted a broad portfolio of responsibilities that overlap with the portfolios of others, including the secretary of state and the national security adviser. And there is the question of someone with so little relevant experience being handed such responsibilities in the first place.

All this makes for an untenable situation. Beyond the obvious legal questions surrounding Mr. Kushner’s activities that call out for answers, there should be concerns about how he is operating. White House staff are meant to coordinate and set policy, not carry it out. Such activities should be the purview of the departments and agencies. This, after all, was the principal lesson of the Iran-Contra scandal. (There is the special irony that this is an administration that has abolished dozens of special envoys working out of the State Department but created a super-special envoy working out of the White House.)

There is, as well, the matter of any president employing close friends and relatives in formal senior posts. Doing so should not be ruled out, per se, but a useful rule of thumb would be to do so only in those cases where they would likely be appointed to that job by some other occupant of the Oval Office.

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

Here’s where you can (thankfully) stream “Get Out” before the Oscars

While Get Out was beloved by critics and audiences alike, that didn’t necessarily mean it was guaranteed to be nominated at the 2018 Oscars. But Jordan Peele made history when he became the third filmmaker ever to have his movie nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the Oscars. Not to mention that star Daniel Kaluuya nabbed a nomination for Best Actor. If you haven’t seen Get Out yet — well, it’s beyond time for you to get on that. And thankfully, we know where to stream Get Out before the Oscars on March 4th.

It’s pretty common for movies that are hoping to get nominated at the Oscars to be released toward the end of the calendar year. That way, they are at the forefront of Academy voters’ minds. Get Out didn’t play those Oscar games, since it actually came out in movie theaters nearly a year ago on February 24th, 2017.

If for some inconceivable reason you haven’t watched Get Out in the last year, you’re kind of in luck. Beyond Get Out being released in movie theaters again, you have multiples ways to stream it from the comfort of your own home. (That’s pretty ideal if you scare easily because you can control the lighting situation.)

Even if you’ve already used up your free trial (cause, let’s be real, you probably did to stream Game Of Thrones), a month-long subscription only costs $ 14.99. And pssst — that’s the same price as streaming Get Out on those other platforms. Plus, you’ll have access to everything else HBO has to offer if you go that route, so it’s a win-win.

Whether you saw Get Out when it first came out and want to be reminded of its greatness or are trying to right the terrible wrong of having not seen it yet, plenty of streaming options await you. So don’t delay because you’re gonna want to understand all of Jimmy Kimmel’s inevitable sunken place jokes come Oscars night.

“Well Phil the plant is a very deep individual; he’s got roots,” Shatner explained. “But he’s not much of a sap, because he’s a plant.”

Did you catch all the puns?

As for the origin of his character’s name, Shatner explained: “The chemical ongoings in his body is chlorophyll, so we call him Phil.”

Aliens Ate My Homework is a film adaption of the first book from the popular Rod Allbright and the Galactic Patrol series by Bruce Coville follows a pair of middle schoolers racing to save the world from destruction after extraterrestrials invade Earth.

Phil is one of several friendly aliens that help the kids on their quest. Learn more about his character and the adventure in the exclusive video above!

Shatner has had a prolific voice career, most recently lending his talents to play Harvey Dent in the animated Batman vs. Two-Face. He’s also voiced numerous other TV and video game roles.

When you’re reading over your job contract, you should make sure you understand everything from your job duties to your rights as an employee—you don’t want to run into any surprises after signing on the dotted line.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some things you should consider before signing an Employment Agreement.

Job Title and Duties in Your Employment Contract

The first thing you should check in your Employment Contract is that your job title and responsibilities match the position you interviewed for. If the description doesn’t match your expectations, bring it up to your supervisor or the HR representative walking you through your orientation before you sign.

It’s possible that there was just a clerical error, but if that’s not the case and you suspect your new employer’s expectations are different than what you thought, you can take this opportunity to voice your concerns or leave before you’re bound to a written contract.

For instance, some employees find themselves in circumstances where they interview for a “Manager” position but find their job title changed to “Lead” on their contract.

While a small change in wording like this doesn’t seem like much, it can affect things like wage increases because a team leader is often below a manager within a company’s structure. Moreover, being a lead versus a manager might also affect your job responsibilities.

Reviewing Your Salary Before Signing Your Contract

Salary is something many people take for granted when looking over their employment contracts.

You’d think the salary you agreed on in your job offer would be the same as the one included in your contract, but mistakes can happen. It’s best to be safe and check before signing your job agreement.

If your salary is different than you expected, it’s important to determine if there is an explanation in the contract. For instance, part of your salary might be divided into commission or bonuses or other benefits granted by your employer.

It’s crucial that you understand exactly how you’re meant to be compensated for your work and if economic incentives based on job performance (like tips, commission, or bonuses) affect your salary or hourly wage.

You should also take time to familiarize yourself with how often you’re paid (e.g. weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.) as the pay period can differ from company to company.

Some employers even offer advances, which might not be something you’re aware of before signing your contract and could come in handy later if you’re ever in a financial pinch.

Although many employers pay their employees through a direct deposit system, there are still those who use checks. Be sure to double check the manner in which you’re paid in case you have to plan cashing your check into your regular routine.

Overtime and Time Off Benefits at Work

Many employers offer overtime pay and time off allowances (like vacation and sick time), but they can differ from job to job. Some employers pay out overtime (usually an increased wage like time-and-a-half for each extra hour worked) and others will bank overtime which can either be used later in the form of time off or can be cashed in at your regular hourly wage.

When looking into overtime, you should consider:

When overtime kicks in: Does it kick in after you work more than 8 hours in a day? Does it only take effect if you work more than 40 hours per week?

How much your wage increases if the time isn’t banked: Is it time-and-a-half? Double-time? Does it increase as your overtime hours increase?

How to cash in banked overtime hours: Do you get time off? Do you cash it in as your hourly wage? Do you cash in an overtime (increased) wage? Can you do a mix of both time off and payout?

Be sure to look at your state laws on overtime as well, as there may be regulations on when and how overtime is calculated.

You should also ask about the time off procedure if you’re unsure. Is it divided up into sick time, personal time, and vacation, or is it just one lump of time that you can divvy up however you’d like?

Keep in mind, some employers require you to work a full year to build up vacation and sick time before you’re entitled to use it. Others simply require you complete your probation period (usually three to six months) before you start using your time off benefits.

Additional and Restrictive Clauses in Your Employment Agreement

There are some clauses that appear in many Employment Agreements that you should familiarize yourself with.

Non-compete: A non-compete clause prevents the employee from unfairly competing against the employer during employment and after it ends. For example, an employee cannot open a competing business while employed with the current company.

Non-solicitation: A non-solicitation clause is a stipulation that prevents an employee from recruiting any of the company’s employees or contractors after said employee has left the company. Although poaching is popular in many industries, a former employee who is bound by a non-solicitation clause cannot participate in this practice without the risk of getting sued.

Confidentiality: A confidentiality clause keeps employees from divulging the company’s confidential information to anyone outside of the company or who is not privileged to that knowledge. This gets many people in trouble especially if they leave one company for a competitor and pass on client, supplier, or employee information to the competitor.

It’s important to read through these clauses in your contract and keep them in mind should you ever leave your current employer. The last thing you need is a lawsuit against you for passing on the names of your former employer’s major clients because you didn’t know the potential consequences.

Beginning a New Chapter in Your Career

Starting a new job is an exciting experience that can present you with new challenges and opportunities. Though it may be difficult, try not to let your excitement get to your head while you’re reviewing your contract.

After you look over your Employment Contract, write down any questions you have so that you can go over them with your manager or the hiring manager. You may feel obligated to return your signed contract quickly, but you’re entitled to take time to review it carefully to make sure that you understand what you are signing.

What’s the first thing you look at in an Employment Contract? Let us know in the comments!

The US is such a diverse and cosmopolitan nation that it has a truly stunning array of cities to explore and uncover. Don’t think that you have to go away abroad to find your ideal city break. There are so many stunning choices right in front of you, and we feel it’s massively important to make the most of these wherever you can. The independence that college life brings is something you should seize as soon as you can.

Before you graduate, you want to make the most of your time before you get into the real world and have to start taking life more seriously. The best way of doing that is to push your boundaries and explore your surroundings. These are 7 unique and awesome cities in the country that you need to make sure you visit before graduating college.

Moab – Utah

Moab may not be a place you recognize, and it’s probably not somewhere you’ve been before, but this city is the pinnacle of everything great about Utah. It is stunningly beautiful, breathtaking, and the perfect place to enjoy some of the stunning magnificence of nature. Pack a camera, and get ready to update your Instagram!

Santa Fe – New Mexico

Santa Fe is always a city that has had that special kind of vibe to it, and now you can discover why. The art scene here is truly stupendous, and it’s the perfect place to visit for art majors and culture vultures. It also has some stunning architecture as well and is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities on our list.

Cocoa Beach – Florida

Florida is a paradise of a state, and there are so many wicked cities here to explore – and Cocoa Beach is one of the best. This beach city is great for those wanting to enjoy some Sun, sea, and sand, as well as geeking out at the Kennedy Space Center nearby. Orlando is also pretty close for those wanting to visit Walt Disney World as well.

Mystic – Connecticut

Just as magical as it sounds, Mystic oozes that small town charm so many of us look for when we want to get away. This place is cute, charming, and feels a million miles away from the nearby cities, and is just across the water from Long Island. This is also the setting for the movie Mystic Pizza, one of Julia Roberts’ first movies.

Roswell – New Mexico

More famous for its UFO and so-called ‘conspiracy’ links than anything else, Roswell is a place you will almost certainly have heard of. This quirky town embraces its alien links, and is the ideal travel destination for conspiracy theorists – this is a must-visit place for all college undergrads.

Pigeon Forge – Tennessee

This quirkily named city is one of the most beautiful and unique cities you could ever hope to explore. There is also a massive music scene here, and it is the location of Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s amusement park. Oh, and throw into that the fact that it is one of the most beautiful cities on this list, and we have a winner.

San Antonio – Texas

Austin and Houston might seem like the most popular places in Texas to visit, but that’s just because you’ve not checked out San Antonio before! The weather is sensational for most of the year, and the San Antonio River Walk is one of the dazzling and delightful experiences ever.

As you can see, there are plenty of amazing cities in the United States that you simply must discover right now. These are 7 unique cities, different from what you might be used to, and we think you should check them out before leaving college as soon as you can.

Danica Patrick went into her final NASCAR race ever with a good luck smooch from Aaron Rodgers … and while the event might be her personal finale, this pic might be a debut. TMZ Sports has obtained a photo of the new couple giving each other a…

http://www.acrx.org -As millions of Americans strive to deal with the economic downturn,loss of jobs,foreclosures,high cost of gas,and the rising cost of prescription drug cost. Charles Myrick ,the President of American Consultants Rx, announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project which consist of millions of free discount prescription cards being donated to thousands of not for profits,hospitals,schools,churches,etc. in an effort to assist the uninsured,under insured,and seniors deal with the high cost of prescription drugs.-American Consultants Rx -Pharmacy Discount Network News

Whether you’re looking to stock up on timeless basics or simply are craving great-quality workwear items on a budget, Everlane is your best bet. Full of everything from denim to footwear, the approachable retailer is a crowd favorite for a reason, and currently its new arrivals section is full of items that are sure to appease the fans.

Below, we’ve rounded up our selection of favorites from Everlane’s new arrivals section for your shopping pleasure. If there’s one thing to keep in mind while shopping a few of our favorites, it’s that the best items at Everlane are known to sell out rather quickly, so we recommend acting fast should something tickle your fancy. Ready to do some shopping?

Meet the perfect skinny jeans. Available in sizes 24 to 32. This color is perfectly neutral while making a bit of a buzz. Available in sizes XXS to XL.Add a pop of color to any look with ease thanks to this bag.Styling trick: Layer a turtleneck underneath a sweatshirt for a fresh look. Available in sizes XXS to XL.The chic version of cargo pants. Available in sizes 00 to 14.Come spring, you’ll be so thankful you have these. Available in sizes 5 to 1Who wouldn’t feel like a million bucks in this sweater? Available in sizes XXS to XL.Because you probably need a new white button-down anyways. Available in sizes 00 to 14.Lug around your load in style. If you’re going to opt for a T-shirt, make it a lavender one. Available in sizes XXS to XL.Copying this simple look ASAP. Available in sizes XXS to XL.This sweater is perfect for layering or throwing on in a pinch with jeans. Available in sizes XXS to XL.Work pants that actually work. Available in sizes 00 to 14.If loafers and sneakers had a baby. Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Shopping on a budget can definitely be a challenge, so hopefully these picks demonstrate that a sleek and professional wardrobe doesn’t have to cost as much as a mortgage payment.

NEW YORK (AP) — Janelle Monae’s trailer for her new album and film will get a boost when it airs in theaters ahead of “Black Panther” on Friday.

The teaser for “Dirty Computer,” the Grammy-nominated singer’s third solo album, will play in select theaters nationwide moments before the highly anticipated Marvel film plays.

Monae is calling the visual part of the project an “emotion picture” and “narrative film.” The trailer will also be available Friday on YouTube.

Monae attended the “Black Panther” première in Los Angeles last month, though she doesn’t appear in the film. She earned praise for her roles in the 2016 movies “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight,” which won the best-picture Oscar.

A release date for “Dirty Computer” will be announced at a later date.

We’re learning MORE from Bobby Brown‘s recent sit down with Us Weekly. One of the things he did was give conflicting dates about Bobbi Kristina’s passing, leading some to believe she died long before the family announced it to the public.

Brown died from lobar pneumonia on July 26, 2015, after being in a coma for nearly six months. However, according to Bobby, his daughter actually died three days before his birthday (Feb.5th), which would have been February 2, 2015.

“We do our private things to honor her,” he said. “She passed away three days before my birthday, so we definitely honor her at all times,” he said, noting that he would like for fans to remember Bobbi Kristina as someone who “was talented, beautiful and loved life.”

Bobbi Kristina was found in her bathtub, unconscious with a concoction of several drugs in her system on January 31, 2015. After doctors determined she had “significantly diminished” brain function, they placed her in a medically induced coma and told Bobby Brown that chances of her fully recovering would be “a miracle.” By February 2, 2015, it was reported that Bobbi Kristina was relocated to Emory University Hospital, she remained in a coma and on a medical ventilator. Thus, Bobby’s statement that ‘she died three days before his birthday,’ adds up.

“She was a beautiful young lady. And what she wanted to do with her life, I wish everybody could have seen,” Brown exclusively told Us Weekly of the late daughter he shared with ex-wife Whitney Houston. “Music, entertainment. She was better than me. She was better than her mother.”

After Bobbi’s passing, Brown created the non-profit organization Bobby Kristina Serenity House, which raises awareness about domestic violence and provides housing and aid to victims.

“I just think people should be aware that they have someplace to go. When you are going through bad times and you are going through being abused, Bobbi Kristina’s Serenity House is there for you,” Bobby Brown told Us. “That’s the easiest way I can say it. It’s too much. Too many women and too many men are being hurt by this disease that people have, abusing people. It’s just not right. I need to do something about it.”

Meanwhile, on March 4, Bobby will host the Celebration of Serenity Gala, which would have also been Bobbi Kristina’s 25th birthday.

Following her first impressive run and just before her victory-sealing follow-up, Kim busted out the moves on top of a slope. Clearly, fear does not faze the young American. She was too busy having fun.

That confidence was put on full display not long after as she went on a near-perfect run with a score of 98.25, officially capturing the gold medal, though most figured she had the competition wrapped up after her first dominating performance.

The second half of The Walking DeadSeason 8 will see plenty of heartbreak and perhaps the end of the “all-out war” between Rick Grimes and Negan.

During the midseason finale, fans discovered that Negan’s Saviors were not so easily defeated by Rick’s Militia. Alexandria was burned down, with its survivors fleeing to the sewers. It was there were Rick reunited with Carl, only to learn that his son was bitten by a walker — a death sentence.

Here’s where the major characters stand before the midseason premiere.

Negan

Negan has had more lives than a cat. Seemingly pinned down with Gabriel by a walking herd, he survived, rallied the remaining Saviors, and attacked Alexandria. He waited for Rick to return to ambush him, and the two exchanged blows before Rick fled. He is unrelenting in his quest to display the heads of “the king” aka Ezekiel, “the widow” aka Maggie, and Rick.

Carl

Over the last eight seasons, Carl has gone from young man to brave leader. But despite becoming hardened after so many losses, including his mother Lori, Carl still learned compassion. He tried to sacrifice himself so that Negan would spare Alexandria. He helped the mysterious Siddiq to safety, getting bitten by a walker in the process. A bite is a death sentence. If Carl asks Michonne to help him end his own life, it will be the second time she’s had to assist a friend’s suicide — the first being Andrea.

Rick

Rick has vowed to kill Negan, and will surely be emboldened to do so after the death of his son and destruction of Alexandria. He will also want revenge against Jadis and the Scavengers, who promised to help him but fled.

Michonne

Michonne, who thinks of Carl as her own son, will also be emboldened after his death. She has served as Rick’s partner and conscience, and the two may embark on a quest of revenge together.

Maggie

Maggie’s top responsibility is to protect her people. “The Widow” vows that the Hilltop will be the last stand of the all-out war, and previews show the remaining Kingdom and Alexandria survivors taking refuge there. Perhaps her pregnancy will finally begin to show as well.

Ezekiel

Like Maggie, Ezekiel’s responsibility is to protect his people. With Shiva dead and the Kingdom defenseless and overrun, Ezekiel surrenders himself to the Saviors.

Dwight

Dwight finally sided with Rick’s Militia, leading his fellow Saviors into an ambush setup up by Daryl, Tara, Rosita, and Michonne. The continue to question his loyalty but allow him to join them in the sewers. Unfortunately, his betrayal was witnessed by Lauren, who will undoubtedly tell Negan what happened. Negan will be very unhappy to learn of his top lieutenant’s betrayal and will want to take care of him personally.

Eugene

Eugene made his choice (perhaps out of self-preservation), creating the ingenious iPod plane that led the walkers away from The Sanctuary. Although he helped Father Gabriel and Dr. Carson escape the Savior stronghold, it’s pretty clear where his loyalties lie. Short of killing Negan himself (which he’s had several opportunities to do), it’s unlikely Rick will ever welcome him back.

Morgan

Morgan is a wildcard. He gave up his pacifistic ways and became a ruthless killer, gunning down many Saviors. He was last seen hiding at the Kingdom. His character will be joining the sister show, Fear the Walking Dead, after this season. The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman has said that Season 8B leads directly to Season 4 of Fear, so it’ll be interesting to see how that will play out.

The Walking Dead Season 8 returns on February 25 in the U.S., and the U.K. the following night.

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott were not stumped when it came to choosing their baby’s name, and we know that because of the blanket purchased for them in late January. Sources tell us … Kylie was showered with lavish gifts from Petit Tresor in…

The 74-year-old died February 1st after complications with meningitis, but adult protective services investigators claim he was physically assaulted before his death by his wife, Brenda.

Details of the report claim Brenda attempted to suffocate Dennis by “holding his head facedown in bed,” and accused Brenda of taking his hearing aids out when he was “bed bound and immobile.”

Before Dennis’ death, an emergency protective order was granted against Brenda on Jan. 18th. Once Dennis passed, the order barring Brenda to have contact with him was cancelled.

In a statement, Brenda denied wrongdoing. “I loved Dennis, and we were married for 18 years,” she said. “I would have never done anything to harm him. These allegations are false and defamatory and will be proven as such. Until this is all over, I have no further comment.”

The Chicago police confirmed that there is an open criminal investigation regarding the accusations.